Virtual path trace function for effective administration of ATM networks

One of the essential virtual path (VP) operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) functions needed in asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) networks, the VP trace function, is discussed. The ATM operation system (OpS) must ensure that there is no inconsistency between the current VP configuration and the corresponding database entries. This is difficult since VP routes are reconfigured automatically and dynamically by service orders and to protect against facility failures. The proposed VP trace function enables the VP configuration of the ATM networks to be controlled precisely. The function ensures that the VPs configuration information is collected automatically using OAM cells under remote control from the OpS. Three alternative implementation methods are presented, and the best method is described in detail. The performance of the VP trace function is estimated